NBA Power Rankings 2.0: Clippers and Pacers Tumble, Pistons and Bulls Rise

With the NBA season in full swing and the last set of power rankings coming before opening night, now feels like the right time to reassess the league and see where each team stacks up as of early November.

30. Brooklyn Nets (1-9)

Bi-weekly change: Neutral

As expected, Brooklyn has been abysmal so far this season. The rookies have struggled, and the veterans have been unexceptional. It’s going to be a long season for the Nets.

29. Washington Wizards (1-9)

Bi-weekly change: Neutral

Not far ahead of Brooklyn is Washington, who has been equally terrible. The one bright spot early has been the play of young Alex Sarr, who has raised his scoring average by nearly six points per game.

28. Indiana Pacers (1-9)

Bi-weekly change: Down 10

Indiana finds itself near the bottom of these rankings due to an avalanche of injuries. Nearly every key player has missed time, and this season could slip away fast for the Pacers.

27. New Orleans Pelicans (2-7)

Bi-weekly change: Down 5

New Orleans has been shockingly poor to start the year. Zion Williamson has already missed time, and most of the Pelicans’ offseason additions have yet to make an impact. At least rookies Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears have shown promise.

26. Utah Jazz (3-6)

Bi-weekly change: Up 2

Utah has been middling so far. Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George have been bright spots, while prized rookie Ace Bailey has struggled mightily.

25. Charlotte Hornets (3-6)

Bi-weekly change: Up 2

Charlotte is meeting expectations so far. This isn’t a playoff roster, but at least rookie Kon Knueppel looks great to start his career.

24. Sacramento Kings (3-7)

Bi-weekly change: Down 1

Sacramento has been exactly what we thought: competitive but not a contender. This roster still lacks the high-end talent to make real noise in the West.

23. Memphis Grizzlies (4-7)

Bi-weekly change: Down 4

The Ja Morant situation continues to hang over this team. He’s not the same player he used to be and has reportedly clashed with the coaching staff. A Morant trade later this season feels increasingly likely.

22. Dallas Mavericks (3-7)

Bi-weekly change: Down 12

Dallas has been awful to start the year. The lack of a true starting point guard is glaring, and everyone is suffering as a result. Adding insult to injury, rookie Cooper Flagg has struggled to adjust.

21. Los Angeles Clippers (3-6)

Bi-weekly change: Down 13

A steep drop for the Clippers, and it’s deserved. This team looks disjointed early, especially Bradley Beal, who’s been brutal to start the year. Ivica Zubac hasn’t looked right either. There’s still talent here, but they’ll stay in this range until proven otherwise.

20. Phoenix Suns (5-5)

Bi-weekly change: Up 5

Phoenix has been a pleasant surprise. The role players are stepping up, and Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen in particular are having career years.

19. Boston Celtics (5-5)

Bi-weekly change: Up 4

Boston has been decent through ten games. There are clear holes this roster likely won’t overcome, but they’ve been competitive and should hang around the playoff picture.

18. Orlando Magic (4-6)

Bi-weekly change: Down 9

Orlando’s start has been puzzling. The Desmond Bane addition hasn’t clicked yet, as he’s shooting a career low from three. There’s too much talent here to stay down long, but it’s been an odd first month.

17. Atlanta Hawks (5-5)

Bi-weekly change: Down 6

Atlanta has been disappointing. The Trae Young injury is a major blow, and they desperately need him back to keep pace in the East.

16. Toronto Raptors (5-5)

Bi-weekly change: Up 1

Toronto has been perfectly average. One intriguing possibility for this team could be exploring a trade for Memphis’ Ja Morant, a move that could change their trajectory.

15. Portland Trail Blazers (5-4)

Bi-weekly change: Up 6

Portland has exceeded expectations so far, led by Deni Avdija’s strong start. He’s averaging a career-best 25.3 points per game and carrying the offense.

14. Chicago Bulls (6-4)

Bi-weekly change: Up 12

Chicago might be the biggest surprise of the season. Josh Giddey has been incredible, flirting with a triple-double average and giving the Bulls real energy on both ends.

13. Miami Heat (6-4)

Bi-weekly change: Up 7

Miami has been strong even without All-Star Tyler Herro. Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell, Jaime Jaquez, and Andrew Wiggins have stepped up to keep the Heat near the top of the East.

12. Philadelphia 76ers (6-4)

Bi-weekly change: Up 3

Philadelphia looks solid. Rookie V.J. Edgecombe has been outstanding, Tyrese Maxey keeps improving, and Joel Embiid is rounding into form. The Sixers have real depth and should be firmly in the playoff mix.

11. Milwaukee Bucks (6-4)

Bi-weekly change: Up 5

Milwaukee has looked strong behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s been as dominant as ever. Ryan Rollins has surprisingly emerged as a solid contributor as well.

10. Golden State Warriors (6-5)

Bi-weekly change: Down 3

Despite sliding slightly, Golden State has met expectations. The concern remains their over-reliance on Stephen Curry, and that is something they’ll need to fix as the season progresses.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves (6-4)

Bi-weekly change: Down 4

The record isn’t great, but the Timberwolves should be fine. Anthony Edwards keeps them competitive and should have this team firmly in the playoff mix by season’s end.

8. Los Angeles Lakers (7-3)

Bi-weekly change: Up 5

Even without LeBron James, the Lakers have found ways to win. J.J. Redick looks like a fantastic hire at head coach, and Luka is Luka. This team should only get better once LeBron returns.

7. Detroit Pistons (8-2)

Bi-weekly change: Up 6

Detroit shockingly holds the top seed in the East. That might not last, but Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren have this team firing on all cylinders.

6. San Antonio Spurs (7-2)

Bi-weekly change: Up 8

Victor Wembanyama has elevated the Spurs to another level. If he stays healthy, San Antonio will be a legitimate threat in the West.

5. New York Knicks (6-3)

Bi-weekly change: Down 1

As expected, New York looks like one of the East’s best. New head coach Mike Brown has given this team a new energy and style that’s working.

4. Houston Rockets (6-3)

Bi-weekly change: Up 1

Houston has looked unstoppable at times. Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun form a dominant trio that can beat anyone when clicking.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers (7-3)

Bi-weekly change: Neutral

Cleveland might be the deepest team in the league. On any given night, they can go 11 or 12 deep with quality minutes, and that depth will pay off later in the year.

2. Denver Nuggets (7-2)

Bi-weekly change: Neutral

Denver’s offense remains elite. Nikola Jokic continues to control games with ease, and the Nuggets look to be a formidable force in the West.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (10-1)

Bi-weekly change: Up 1

Oklahoma City is on another level right now. Even without All-Star Jalen Williams, the Thunder have cruised to a 10-1 record and look nearly unstoppable.

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